Tara Madison Avery
Prism Comics
Desert Hot Springs,CA
2
Languages
18
years of professional experience
Professional publishing expert prepared for leadership roles in content development and distribution. Proven track record in driving successful projects, optimizing workflows, and meeting high standards. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in editorial management, strategic planning, and team coordination.
Work History
Publisher/Editor/Illustrator/Writer/Cartoonist
11 Years 1 Month- I own and operate a small publishing house dedicated to producing comics, graphic novels, and coloring books of LGBTQAIU interest. Our publications have received six Lambda Literary Awards finalist nominations, and won one Bisexual Book Award, three Kinnard Awards and one Ignatz Award. I have contributed stories, prose pieces, and illustrations to many of our titles.
- Developed and managed publication schedules to ensure timely releases of print and digital titles.
- Collaborated with authors and editors to refine manuscripts, ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging.
- Oversaw production processes, coordinating with design teams for layout and visual presentation of publications.
- Implemented quality control measures, enhancing accuracy in content and reducing errors in final prints.
- Led marketing initiatives to promote titles across various platforms, increasing audience engagement and visibility.
- Expanded distribution channels by negotiating contracts with new partners and vendors.
Board Member/Treasurer/Event Organizer
14 Years 4 Months- I have worked for a nonprofit organization that promotes LGBTQ+ comics, comics creators, and fandom at comic conventions and other events coast to coast. I have frequently moderated panel discussions from San Diego Comic-Con to New York Comic Con and points in between showcasing queer comics creators. On behalf of Prism I organized the first all-transgender panel discussion at Comic-Con in 2014. Since 2022, I have been a part of organizing Prism’s all-LGBTQ comic convention, Q Con, for the City of West Hollywood’s Pride Arts Celebration. I also prepare Prism’s taxes and advise them on legal issues.
- Facilitated partnerships with local artists and organizations to support creative projects.
- Oversaw fundraising efforts, ensuring alignment with mission and financial sustainability.
- Mentored new board members on governance practices and organizational goals.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, implementing improvements based on stakeholder feedback.
- Collaborated with committees to drive strategic planning and operational excellence.
- Championed initiatives that increased visibility of underrepresented voices in comics industry.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
Supervisor
2 Years 3 Months- I supervised day and evening shifts at a busy liquor and wine retailer. I was also tasked with keeping track of daily sales and preparing deposits.
Vice-President/Operations Manager/Dispatcher
8 Years 9 Months- I co-owned and operated a small intermodal trucking company. I was responsible for hiring and firing decisions, equipment maintenance, payroll, and supervision of daily operations. Previously I worked as office administrator and truck dispatcher.
- Developed comprehensive business strategies aligning with organizational goals and market trends.
- Fostered partnerships with key stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and driving growth opportunities.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring resource allocation aligned with strategic priorities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
Chair/Board Member
6 Years 9 Months- I served as first a board member, then chair of a nonprofit organization devoted to activist, educational, and cultural efforts to benefit the bisexual community of Los Angeles. My efforts included discussing bisexual sensitivity and preferred language topics with GLAAD and the Los Angeles LGBT Center as well as representing the Los Angeles Bi Community at the White House Bisexual Community Briefing in both 2015 and 2016.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and support services for diverse populations.
- Oversaw task forces focused on improving public health education and awareness campaigns.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy/Mathematics
Skills
Can speak
read
and write Spanish
Capable illustrator cartoonist
and writer
Public speaking experience
Creative direction
Marketing campaigns
Copy editing
Manuscript reviews
Print production
Editing literature
Editorial management
Problem-solving
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking Abilities
Creative problem solving
Effective communication
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 36 in the development of QCon, Prism Comics' all-LGBTQ+ annual comic convention.
- Supervised team of 24 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Represented the Los Angeles bisexual community at the 2015 and 2016 White House Bisexual Community Briefings.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Supervisor
BevMo!
06.2019 - 09.2021Read More
Publisher/Editor/Illustrator/Writer/Cartoonist
Stacked Deck Press
08.2015 - CurrentRead More
Board Member/Treasurer/Event Organizer
Prism Comics
05.2012 - CurrentRead More
Chair/Board Member
Los Angeles Bi Task Force
03.2010 - 12.2016Read More
Vice-President/Operations Manager/Dispatcher
Avery International
07.2008 - 04.2017Read More
University of Kansas
Bachelor of Arts from Philosophy/Mathematics
Read More
Awards
Awards earned by Stacked Deck Press Publications:
- 2016 Bisexual Book Award for Graphic Novel: Primahood: Magenta
- 2019 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Anthology: We're Still Here: An All-Trans Comics Anthology
- 2024 Kinnard Better Future Award: We Belong: An All-Black/All-Queer Sci-Fi/Fantasy Comics Anthology
- 2025 Kinnard Award: Ooops...I Just Catharted!: Fifty Years of Cathartic Comics
Awards received by Tara Avery:
- 2022 Kinnard Community Pillar Award
- Sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 2024